1 Corinthians 10:14-33

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TALKS FOR GROWING CHRISTIANS

The Proper Use of Christian Liberty

BACKGROUND NOTES



DOCTRINAL POINT(S)

  1. Celebrating the Lord’s Supper portrays the unity of the Christian body.

  2. Considering the Lord’s Body governs the use of Christian liberty.

PRACTICAL APPLICATION

  1. Would you go to New Orleans for Mardi Gras?

QUESTIONS

  1. Was it alright for the Corinthian believers to eat food that had been dedicated to idols?

  2. How did Paul address the danger of Christian liberty turning into license?

  3. Since it was alright to eat meat offered to idols, was it alright to participate in the Greek and Roman feasts and festivals?

  4. Explain 1 Corinthians 10:23.

ANSWERS

  1. Yes, there was plenty of liberty for believers in this area. However, their Christian liberty should be restricted if there was the possibility that a weaker, less mature, Christian might be stumbled and hindered in their Christian growth as a result.

  2. Paul taught that the Christian life involves self-restraint, self-denial, and self-disciple. He used himself as a positive example of this and the Children of Israel as a negative example.

  3. No, this was idolatry. The food itself was not evil or contaminated, and the idols themselves were only wood and stone. But participating in the pagan feasts and eating there identified the person with the whole idolatrous system, which was demonic.

  4. This verse is not saying that any sinful activity is lawful. This is talking about non-moral areas.

DISCUSS/CONSIDER

  1. When we participate in the Lord’s Supper we share in fellowship with each other and with the Lord Himself. What is your attitude towards the Lord’s Supper? Do you value this time?

  2. Discuss the two guidelines to keep in mind when practicing your Christian liberty. First, we should not stumble weaker fellow believers. Secondly, we should try not to offend anyone- whether it be unbelievers or believers in the Church.

CHALLENGE

  1. You will encounter decisions involving your Christian liberty this week. Be aware of them and consider this teaching.

KEY VERSES

  • “You cannot drink the cup of the Lord and the cup of demons; you cannot partake of the Lord’s table and of the table of demons.” 1 Corinthians 10:21

  • “Therefore, whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do all to the glory of God.” 1 Corinthians 10:31

1 Corinthians, New Testament, TalksDeb Harms1 Corinthians 10:14-33